Events Calendar

-Whale & Dolphin watching in Southern Coast and North West Coast – December to April

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Whale and Dolphin spotting in southern coast and North West coast commence in January
and ends in April. Large pods of Dolphins can be spotted few miles off shore. In the oceans
around North west (Kalpitiya) Sperm Whales, Blue Whales and Pilot Whales gather in large
pods of fifty to hundred members, with large concentration gathering around Dutch Reef.
Meanwhile Blue Whales, Sperm Whales, Fin Whales, Bottle Nose Dolphins, Spinner
Dolphins, common Dolphins could be spotted from Weligama to Mirissa in the southern
coast within just eight to ten nautical miles from Mirissa harbor.

-National Day of Sri Lanka – 04th February

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Sri Lanka celebrates the gaining of her independence from the British rule on the island’s
National Day. As a sign of paying tribute to forefathers of the land for their glorious feat,
National flag is hoisted, National anthem is sung and the processions begin with the
meticulously coordinated military parades and various religious and cultural performances.

-The Season of Butterflies begins (Adams Peak season) – December – April

The pilgrim season to Adams peak begins with the “Unduwap” fullmoon day in December
and ends on the “Vesak” fullmoon day in May. During this season, pilgrims in many religions
as well as the travelers ascend this peak in good faith. This mountain is sacred to all four
religious groups in Sri Lanka – the Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and the Christians. The
climb to witness the sun sire begins at 2am in order to reach the summit and can be
somewhat of a challenge but is worth every moment where one could witness the
breathtaking view of the rising morning sun.

-Nawam Perahera – February – March

Nawam maha Perahera that is similar to Kandy Perahera is held in Colombo. The perahera
showcases dancers, acrobats, drummers and glittering elephants.

-Sinhala and Tamil New Year Celebration – 13th & 14th April

During the month of April Sinhalese and Tamil communities in Sri Lanka celebrate the
dawning of the New Year. During this ceremony families get together and conduct
traditional rituals, religious ceremonies and wish peace and prosperity for all for the coming
new year. These traditional rituals are best seen in the rural areas.

-Turtle Watching in Rekuwa, South Coast – March 2018 to July

Patience is the key to witnessing the nesting & hatching of the world’s most sought after sea
turtles in Rekawa. The Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery and the Rekawa Turtle Sanctuary are
amongst the sites one can enjoy some turtle watching and get to know more about their
conservation too. The peak period for Turtle nesting is considered to be from March to July.

-Vesak Festival - May

Vesak festival also know as the festival of light is a cultural and religious festival celebrated
during the month of May on the day of the full moon. This day has religious significance, as
Buddhists all over the world celebrate the three most important events in the life of

Siddhartha Gautama the “Buddha” or "Enlightened One". The festivities commemorate his
birth, enlightenment, and his passing away. You will witness beautiful Pandals depicting the
life events of the Buddha and Vesak lanterns decorating homes and streets around the
country.

-Surfing in Arugam Bay - May to July

Nestled in the Eastern Coast of Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay is ranked among the top surfing
destinations in the world. The sun kissed beaches of this hidden gem attract a variety of
enthusiastic surfers both professional and amateur alike from all over the globe.
Snorkelling, Diving and Whale Watching in North East

– May to October

The North-East of the island is a world renowned hot spot for the majestic Blue Whale as
well as diving and snorkeling that serve as some of the more enjoyable things to do in Sri
Lanka. The best time to hit the seas is during the months of June to September. Come
witness the turquoise waters and coral sand beaches and be enthralled by the largest
mammals in the world.

-Poson Festival – June

In June Sri Lankans celebrate the Poson full-moon day signifying the arrival of Buddhism to
Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE. This historical event occurred in the North Central city of
Mihintale, where Arahant Mahinda of India converted the then king of Sri Lanka to
Buddhism.
Be part of the exciting celebrations of free meals and religious observances undertaken by
Buddhists to commemorate the event.

-Kite Surfing in Kalpitiya – June to December

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For those looking for an exotic beach destination to kite surf, then Kalpitiya is definitely the
ideal location. Situated in the North West Coast of Sri Lanka the waters of the Kalpitiya

lagoon offer an idyllic spot for both beginners and pro’s which make Kalpitiya a kite surfing
haven.

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-Kataragama Parade and Fire Walking Festival – July

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The Kataragama Perahera or "Procession" lasts up to 14 days during the months of July
and August and comes across as one of the more enjoyable things to do in Sri Lanka during
this time. The procession comprises of fire dances, fire walkers, various dance troupes,
talented traditional drummers and whip crackers in commemoration of the God of
Kataragama. Come witness this exciting event in the Southern region of the island.

-Kandy Esala Perahera –August

By far the most important memorable cultural event celebrated by Buddhist from all over the
world in the old Kingdom of Kandy, in what is one of the most popular tourist attractions in
Sri Lanka. The Esala Perahera, a procession in the month of August, is a symbol of Sri
Lankan culture and beliefs. The festival is undertaken in a grand scale in Kandy at the
Dalada Maligawa or Temple of Tooth and pays respect to the sacred tooth relic of the
Buddha. The Perahera which parades the streets of Kandy comprises of exciting dances
and many elephants garlanded with extravagant apparel.

-Elephant Gathering in Minneriya – September

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The elephant gathering is considered to be the largest assembly of Asian elephants at one
time. During the dry season which is at its peak in September over 150 to 200 elephants
gather each evening near the banks of the Minneriya tank to drink water and graze on the
surrounding foliage. Come witness a true wild life event on the plains of the Minneriya .

-Deepavali Festival – November

Celebrated among the Hindu Tamil minority in Sril lanka as well as Hindu communities in
India and all over the World is also a festival of light where the celebration of light over
darkness and good over evil is commemorated with many rituals and ceremonies held at
temples throughout the country specially in the north and east region.

-Christmas – December

Christmas which is celebrated throughout the world is also celebrated in Sri Lanka by the
Christian and Catholic communities and hold similar fashion to the rest of the world with
Christmas trees, decorations and fireworks.